On the morning of July 11, 2024, the Faculty of Economics at National Economics University (NEU), in collaboration with Boise State University (BSU) in the United States, organized a scientific conference on “Internationalization of Higher Education: Best Practices in Research and Student Exchange Programs in Business and Economics.”

The conference attracted the interest of domestic and international experts and scholars.

Attending the conference from outside the University were Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam; Dr. Marlene Tromp, President of Boise State University; Dr. Mark Bannister, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at Boise State University; and domestic and international experts and scholars.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham The Anh, Dean of the Faculty of Economics; representatives of the leadership of the University’s sociopolitical organizations; leaders of its constituent colleges; leaders of departments, offices, faculties, and institutes; and faculty, staff, and students of the Faculty of Economics.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, delivers remarks

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, noted that Boise State University in the United States has been a long-standing strategic partner of NEU since 1993. Many NEU faculty and staff members who now hold key positions in the University’s leadership, along with successful entrepreneurs in Vietnam, have studied in the Master of Business Administration program at Boise State University.

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu also emphasized that the strong trend toward globalization is placing increasing pressure on higher education institutions worldwide, requiring universities to improve the quality of their graduates to meet demands for professional expertise, foreign language proficiency, and international experience. This pressure requires higher education institutions to accelerate internationalization, with increased international student exchanges and research collaboration serving as two key pillars of their internationalization strategies.

Vietnam is also pursuing deeper and broader integration into the global economy. Its higher education system is therefore striving to keep pace with domestic development and international integration. In addition, Vietnam faces numerous challenges, including lower-middle income levels and limited competitiveness, and particularly a low proportion of skilled workers amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Vietnam’s higher education system in general, and NEU in particular, therefore need to move toward internationalization to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and research, not only developing a high-quality workforce but also encouraging comprehensive internationalization activities. Furthermore, the internationalization of higher education has been contributing to improvements in quality and global learning experiences, promoting the integration of Vietnamese higher education into the region and the world, thereby creating career opportunities for students.

The Vice President expressed hope that the conference would broaden understanding of the dynamic landscape of higher education internationalization in Vietnam and other countries. Drawing on valuable contributions from experts at both universities, it would provide insights into best practices in research collaboration among universities, the private sector, and public sector organizations, as well as cooperation among universities on student exchange programs.

Dr. Marlene Tromp, President of Boise State University, delivers remarks.

Dr. Mark Bannister, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at Boise State University, presents on “Experiences in University Internationalization with a Focus on Undergraduate Student Exchanges.”

Dr. Pham Sy Long, Deputy Head of the Department of International Cooperation at NEU, presents on “An Overview of Joint Degree Programs at National Economics University.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, presents on “Added Value from the Local University—a Key Success Factor for International Joint Degree Programs, Illustrated by Activities at IBD@NEU.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Ha of NEU presents on “A Guide for Early-Career Economics Researchers to Cope Better with Academic Life.”

The panel of chairs moderates the discussion session at the conference.

Delegates exchange views and discuss issues at the conference

Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, delivers remarks and shares his insights at the conference.

Notably, Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, also attended the conference and shared his insights. Marc E. Knapper congratulated NEU and Boise State University on their strong cooperative relationship and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in education, while encouraging academic exchange and collaboration among universities, lecturers, and students.

University leaders present flowers in appreciation to Marc E. Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, and Dr. Marlene Tromp, President of Boise State University.

At the conference, experts and scholars also discussed topics such as a vision for universities in a globalized world, joint degree programs, and collaborative research programs…

Additional photos from the conference:

Article and photos: Faculty of Economics and Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.